How to Create an LLC (Limited Liability Company)?

What is an LLC?

Simply put, an LLC is the least complex business structure. Unlike an s corp or c corp, the structure of an LLC is flexible. Starting an LLC also gives you the perk of pass-through taxes, limited liability (obviously), and legal protection for your personal assets. Plus the added benefit of looking more legit than the other guys.

Advantages of Starting an LLC

There are several advantages to creating an LLC, but here are a few that stand out.

• Pass-through taxes. There's no need to file a corporate tax return. LLC owners report their share of profit and loss on their individual tax returns, meaning you avoid double taxation.
• No residency requirement. Those who an LLC need not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Legal protection. Creating an LLC gives you limited liability for business debts and obligations.
• Enhanced credibility. Partners, suppliers, and lenders may look more favorably on your business when it's an LLC.

Compare LLCs and corporations with our business comparison chart.

Disadvantages of Starting an LLC

Creating an LLC is an attractive option, but there are a few hurdles.

• Limited growth potential. LLC owners cannot issue shares of stock to attract investors.
• Lack of uniformity. An LLC can be treated differently in different states.
• Self-employment tax. LLC earnings can be subject to this kind of taxation.
• Tax recognition on appreciated assets. This could happen if you convert an existing business to an LLC. One more way that extra taxation can occur.

Is Creating an LLC Right for Me?

It depends on your short-term and long-term business goals. We recommend that you think about where your business is now and how you want your business to grow before deciding whether starting an LLC is right for you.

How to Create an LLC (Limited Liability Company):

1. Choose a legal name and reserve it, if the Secretary of State in your state does that sort of thing (not all do).
2. Draft and file your Articles of Incorporation with your Secretary of State.
3. Decide who will run the business (managers or members).
4. Decide how many owners will be part of the LLC.
5. Apply for a business license and other certificates specific to your industry.
6. File Form SS-4 or apply online at the Internal Revenue Service website to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
7. Apply for any other ID numbers required by state and local government agencies. Requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, but generally your business most likely will be required to pay unemployment, disability, and other payroll taxes – you will need tax ID numbers for those accounts in addition to your EIN.

Ready to create your company? Click the "get started" button below!

9 Fixes to the Work From Home Call Center Agent Challenges

Work From Home

 

#1 Problems with IT 

 

What’s the Fix? 

It’s often possible to migrate older systems to the cloud to enable remote work. But a better solution is to switch to cloud-first contact center software.  

If you still use legacy software, now could be the perfect opportunity to update. There are plenty of options available that can easily integrate with your existing platforms. 

 

#2 Unsuitable Equipment 

 

What’s the Fix? 

Try to provide agents with the equipment they need. Let them take office equipment home when possible – this will save cash as you won’t need to buy new gear.  

Or give agents a specific work-from-home budget to help them set up at home. This is an added expense, but the benefits of more consistent, higher-quality service may be worth it. 

 

#3 Lost Personal Connections 

 

What’s the Fix? 

Workforce communication software is key. These tools allow agents to maintain relationships with other people at your company.  

You can also use them to host meetings and team-building activities to keep people in the loop. 

 

#4 Lack of Access to Information 

 

What’s the Fix? 

Create documentation listing common challenges agents face. Upload this to the cloud so everyone has access.  

Knowledge base software makes creating these documents easy. These tools also often contain powerful search functionality that makes finding answers easy.  

Good workforce communication software helps by allowing agents to contact experienced staff for answers. 

 

Remote Call Center Jobs

#5 Lack of Daily Structure 

 

What’s the Fix? 

There are things you can do to help. Consider setting regular meetings, check-ins, or even virtual coffee breaks at key points during the day. This will make shifts seem as normal as possible. 

The idea isn’t to replace everything agents would usually do. It’s to take the essential activities that add structure to the workday and adapt them in a way that makes sense for your team. 

 

#6 Insufficient Feedback 

 

What’s the Fix? 

Monitoring software helps solve the first problem. It gives managers insight into agent’s performance and goes some way towards making up for the lack of direct access.  

You have many options to solve the second problem. Schedule regular performance meetings to highlight what is going well and could be improved.  

Or create analytics dashboards that show each agent’s stats, so they know how they stack up. If you go this route, make sure you’re checking the right call center metrics. 

 

#7 Uneven Relationships 

 

What’s the Fix? 

The good news is the survey respondents also pointed to potential solutions. They said managers that successfully managed remote employees were more likely to: 

• Check-in frequently and consistently. 

• Use face-to-face or voice-to-voice contact. 

• Communicate well. 

• Make their expectations explicit. 

• Be available. 

• Demonstrate familiarity with technology. 

• Prioritize relationships.  

Consider these points if you manage both remote and office-based employees. 

 

#8 Distractions at Home 

 

What’s the Fix? 

Providing agents with a budget to set up a dedicated workspace may help when a home is large enough to fit one.  

Or you could allow greater shift selection flexibility, thus enabling agents to work when distractions are minimal.  

In other cases, you may have to plan for disruptions and be flexible in how you deal with them. 

 

#9 Security Problems 

 

What’s the Fix? 

The most effective thing to do is educate staff about the problems they may face. Put in place clear guidelines about how to work and what to do when threats arise.  

Asking agents to connect to your network through a VPN will improve network security. Or consider providing secure work computers that you know are free from malware.